NADA: Internet Use by New Car Dealer Reaches Record High

MCLEAN, Va. – Not only are more consumers turning to the Internet to research and purchase vehicles, an increasing number of dealers are also using the Internet to make it earlier for consumers to car shop. An annual survey from the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) found that 92% of new and used car and truck dealerships – a record high – have Web sites. That’s up from 91% in 2002 and 74% in 1999. Dealers surveyed reported their most common Web site interactions with consumers are responding to requests for price quotes, and setting up service and sales appointments. Of the 8% of all dealerships that currently do not have Web sites, the NADA survey found that nearly half – 47.3% – indicated they plan to have an Internet presence within the next six months. NADA Chief Economist Paul Taylor said the survey’s findings confirm that new car dealers are increasingly using the Internet to make the car-shopping process more convenient for consumers. Among some of the survey’s findings, it found that: * dealerships with Web sites increased from 47% in 1997, to 92% in 2003. * 99% of dealer Web sites are interactive. * 64% of dealers with a Web site have completed a sale on the Internet (excluding delivery and payment). * services offered by dealership Web sites include: view stock – 92%; view MSRP – 77%; link to manufacturer Web site 72%; schedule service appointments – 68%; and schedule sales appointments – 58%. -